# 2020 is hindsight, lets rant about 2021 (January minirants) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 2, 2021, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499 "2021-01-02T05:45:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/61 "2021-01-09T04:54:23Z")
> [@jayrey](#): > > I strongly second this suggestion if it is an option for you. I had “Laps of Love,” a mobile euthanasia service to the house for my very sick kitty last October… I think you meant this for me, thank you, and I really do wish I could get a vet to come to our home. We are in a very rural area and the only mobile vet in the area who treats small animals has stopped doing home visits due to the plague. Kitty had a pretty good day today. His belly is starting to fill with fluid so his appetite is off. Treats and more treats for the rest of his life. Our other cats are going to look like short legged furry bowling balls pretty soon because they are hoovering up all the treats Kitty snubs. We’ve had cats all of our lives. We know all about kitty hospice. We also know that kitty will tell us when its time, we just have to listen lest we keep them too long due to selfishness. I appreciate the sympathy. This isn’t unexpected, but it seriously sucks. The furry little jerks just don’t live long enough. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/62 "2021-01-09T13:15:55Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > I haven’t gotten my stimulus payment, and any inquiries into [IRS.gov](http://IRS.gov) bring up errors, even though Stimulus Payment #1 showed up seamlessly. UPDATE: It appears that I’m among the zillions of people screwed by the screw-up with [TurboTax](https://www.google.com/amp/s/abc11.com/amp/turbo-tax-stimulus-turbotax-today-my-check/9465881) and screw all that screwy nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/63 "2021-01-09T13:31:16Z")
> [@Rilchiam](#): > > Okay, I knew some stores in the local mall would have closed, permanently, by now. But one of them was the GNC. Seriously? That’s one business that should be thriving. Oh noes, where will I buy my [ear candles?!](https://www.gnc.com/wallys-natural-products/618908.html?cgid=wallys-natural-products) ---
**Author:** ![jerseymule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jerseymule/32/3155_2.png) [@jerseymule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerseymule)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/64 "2021-01-09T15:10:20Z")
I enjoy playing the game “Words With Friends” online. They have a “chat” box which I might occasionally use to make a comment with my actual friends, or even with people known only to me through Facebook. I can also receive invitations to play the game with total strangers. I usually accept those, and have multiple games going at once. I prefer not to make conversation with people I don’t know. I just ignore such comments as “Hello my beautiful lady” and “How are you enjoying the game.” I can’t resist looking at the comments though, which requires one click of the mouse. I just get annoyed with people who persist in trying to engage me in conversation with repeated entreaties like “Why you no talk to me” and “I want us to be friends and chat.” I am probably being rude by not at least replying hello but I do not want to chat! If I wanted to chat, I have plenty of real life friends who I can send text messages or pick up the phone and actually talk to! ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/65 "2021-01-09T17:52:13Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > I appreciate the sympathy. This isn’t unexpected, but it seriously sucks. The furry little jerks just don’t live long enough. Sending you and Kitty lots of {{{{{ & treats of every desired kind imaginable }}}}}. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/66 "2021-01-09T18:30:38Z")
Weird. I’ve used TurboTax for years. I got my second “stimulus” (under $200) on January 1st. Which was amazing, since the FIRST one was on one of those damned cards instead of direct deposit. Guess I lucked out. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/67 "2021-01-09T19:35:23Z")
Much sympathy to those of you who have sick/dying pets, especially when you have to make agonizing decisions. Been there so many times. But I’m lucky this time around. My beloved Vienna hasn’t had a sick day in her 14+ years. Fingers crossed. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/68 "2021-01-09T19:37:48Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > It appears that I’m among the zillions of people screwed by the screw-up with [TurboTax](https://www.google.com/amp/s/abc11.com/amp/turbo-tax-stimulus-turbotax-today-my-check/9465881) and screw all that screwy nonsense. > [@Morgyn](#): > > Weird. I’ve used TurboTax for years. I got my second “stimulus” (under $200) on January 1st. Which was amazing, since the FIRST one was on one of those damned cards instead of direct deposit. > > Guess I lucked out. I’ve used Turbo Tax since about 2001. I got both of my stimulus checks via direct deposit on the first or second day that they were to be distributed. I have always purchased the desktop version of TT. @purplehorseshoe, were you using the free version of Turbo Tax? ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/69 "2021-01-09T19:40:45Z")
> [@jerseymule](#): > > I am probably being rude by not at least replying hello but I do not want to chat! If I wanted to chat, I have plenty of real life friends who I can send text messages or pick up the phone and actually talk to! Could I hire you to say this to everyone who calls me? ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/70 "2021-01-09T23:07:45Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > were you using the free version of Turbo Tax? Yup, freebie. Here’s yet another article about it. Much finger-pointing has ensued. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/71 "2021-01-09T23:18:20Z")
Oops. Linky: > **[IRS says misrouted stimulus payments now reaching taxpayers](https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/08/coronavirus-stimulus-payments-turbotax-456618)** > > The maker of TurboTax indicated that the money was being sent to users of its software whose payments were initially misdirected to temporary accounts used by the company. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2021, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/72 "2021-01-10T01:31:48Z")
Huh, we used paid-for TurboTax. Assumed we might have to wait, but Thursday my wife called from the kitchen “Hey, we got our stimulus money! It’s sitting in my checking account!” So another anti-rant, I guess. It’ll just about cover a quarter of our property tax… sigh… ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2021, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/73 "2021-01-10T14:32:28Z")
I use Turbo Tax through a link through my credit union. My money showed up on Friday. ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2021, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/74 "2021-01-10T23:34:04Z")
Dyson vacuum cleaners are overpriced, pretentious pieces of shit. 😡 The thing had always been quick to clog, but tonight I found that the reason it’s stopped picking up this time is a worn internal hose (not the easily replaceable one with the red clips). Now I’ve got an effectively dead vacuum and a pile of dirt in the middle of the living room floor. 😡 ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2021, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/75 "2021-01-11T03:34:23Z")
Phoo. Heading to 38° today (celsius - about 101° F). Yesterday it hit about 36°. We knew that theA/C part of the split-system unit wasn’t cooling, and emailed the leasing agency last week…while the office was closed over the holidays. Called them today, the first day they’ve been open…and they said they’d put it on to the maintenance department, and contact us later today. Apparently they’ve set up a new system for maintenance requests; I don’t think they saw the email. Since we don’t need the A/C for medical reasons, they don’t consider it an emergency. At least today it’s pretty cloudy and windy, so it’s more bearable than yesterday. Now we’ll see what happens first; a cool change, or someone coming out to replace it (sounds like a motor is packing it in). I’m not laying any bets on the latter. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2021, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/76 "2021-01-11T16:38:59Z")
If you’re feeling lonely without the attentions of advertisers, I suggest you make a purchase from an online glasses seller. I am being deluged by ads not only from that company but from a bunch of their competitors. News flash: the excitement of buying glasses does not mean I’m going on a wild spending spree so that I can have a different pair for every day of the week. Note to Facebook: hiding an ad from a shyster lawyer firm urging me to sue over imaginary Roundup or Zantac damages shouldn’t result in a flood of similar ads.\* \*gotta love the options Facebook gives you as reasons for why you don’t want to see ads. Which is better: “irrelevant” or “knows too much”? For political ads, I generally select “already purchased”. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2021, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/77 "2021-01-11T17:30:10Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > \*gotta love the options Facebook gives you as reasons for why you don’t want to see ads. Which is better: “irrelevant” or “knows too much”? For political ads, I generally select “already purchased”. Then permit me to invite you to join my Facebook page, “I Can Do Without Seeing Any Ad Pages At All, Thankyouverymuch.” ETA: FB keeps bugging me to buy ads for the page to raise its profile. I find that hysterical. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2021, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/78 "2021-01-11T18:39:29Z")
> [@galen\_ubal](#): > > Phoo. Heading to 38° today (celsius - about 101° F). Even those of us in the tundra feel for you. I mean, we can put on layers and start a fire. Not much you can do when you’re sweating with no A/C (and standing with your head in the freezer is not energy-efficient). ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2021, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/79 "2021-01-11T21:16:49Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > \*gotta love the options Facebook gives you as reasons for why you don’t want to see ads. Which is better: “irrelevant” or “knows too much”? For political ads, I generally select “already purchased”. I always choose “irrelevant” on the assumption that whatever ad selection algorithm they’re using will assume that whatever product/service is being offered is something that is of no interest to me. Presumably, this will eventually reduce the number of ads I see because there’s no point in showing me, for example, sports-related ads if they are irrelevant to me. It’s probably a vain hope, but I figure the less info I give them, the better. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2021, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499/80 "2021-01-11T22:07:06Z")
Anti-rant: After three months of floor poops I’ve finally found a cat litter that meets the standards of Empress Samantha the Extremely Picky. She’s pooped in the box _twice_ today! 😃 Rant: She got her ultrasound on December 31 and I still haven’t heard back from the vet about her results. Granted, there was a holiday and an insurrection since then. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-is-hindsight-lets-rant-about-2021-january-minirants/929499.md?page=5)